Tag: Asante Samuel Jr.

Chargers remain steady in NFL power rankings after bye week

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 5

The Chargers are gearing up to endure 13 straight regular games after having last week off.

After their bye, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 18 (Previous: 17)

“Don’t know how rejuvenated a battered group will be following its bye. We do know Denver has been a house of horrors for the Bolts, who have dropped 10 of 11 in the Mile High City.”

NFL: 19 (Previous: 18)

“Early bye weeks might earn groans from teams when the schedules are released, but this one seemed to fall at an opportune time for the Chargers, given all their injuries. Justin Herbert definitely needed the time off to rest his ankle. The offensive line missed both starting tackles in Week 4. The defense missed Joey Bosa. Even the special teams coverage units were down several contributors. Now the Chargers must go on the road for three of the next four games, with a tough matchup against the Saints tucked in the middle. Two straight losses after the 2-0 start isn’t likely how Jim Harbaugh imagined things going, but everything the Chargers want to accomplish remains ahead of them. This defense has far surpassed what last year’s unit did during any four-game stretch last season, and the Bolts should be a little more effective offensively with some better health.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 18)

Fantasy surprise: QB Justin Herbert

“Because of the running focus of coach Jim Harbaugh-led teams, Herbert having less gaudy passing stats was somewhat expected. Still, his numbers are worse than anticipated. He has thrown for 578 yards this season, his fewest in any four-game span in a season in his career. His previous low was 785 yards from Weeks 11 to 14 last season. Some of the struggles could be related to a high right ankle sprain from Week 2, but Herbert is attempting just 22.7 passes per game. Before this season, he averaged 39.1 passes per game.

CBS Sports: 20 (Previous: 20)

“They battled through a bunch of major injuries before their bye, but some of those players are expected back this week against Denver. Quarterback Justin Herbert probably needed the bye as much as anybody to help heal his injured ankle.”

Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 14)

“At the bye, the Chargers are 25th in EPA per play and 22nd in rushing EPA per play. Justin Herbert is 26th in EPA and completion percentage over expectation composite. While everyone will assume this is a negative, I’m trying to illustrate how much growth there still can be from this team over the back end of its season. If the team holds up injury-wise, there is no reason to believe they won’t be in a good spot by Thanksgiving. Up until that point, L.A.’s schedule breaks more fortuitously than almost any other team in the NFL.”

Bleacher Report: 20 (Previous: 19)

“…The Chargers still have some issues—the offense struggled last week with Justin Herbert nursing a high ankle sprain. But the team’s bye week came at the perfect time for the team’s injured signal-caller. And while a healthy Chargers team may not be a serious threat to the Chiefs in the AFC West, the Chargers have at least shown the potential to be a tough out for opponents.”

Chargers continue to fall in NFL power rankings after loss to Chiefs

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 4

The Chargers lost to the Chiefs in Week 4, 17-10.

After coming up short, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 17 (Previous: 16)

“No player wants a Week 5 bye, but the Bolts might also wind up reaping the benefits given their rampant injuries. And better rest up with only one home game between now and Nov. 10.”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 14)

“To what degree should we hold a close loss against this team? Despite not having Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt or Derwin James, and with Justin Herbert hobbled, the Chargers were in a position to seize control late against the Chiefs. As for the negatives, the Bolts were neutered offensively after the opening drive, failing to finish off their only two promising possessions of the second half by missing a long field-goal try and turning it over on downs at the Kansas City 3-yard line. Herbert struggled after a hot start. The offensive line was overwhelmed much of the day, erasing the run game. And the receivers only made a few plays of note. So L.A. still fell, even with Jesse Minter’s defense turning in a whale of a performance. The Chargers can rally from this after a well-timed Week 5 bye, but they’re noticeably lacking in big-play pop right now.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 15)

Biggest issue on defense: Absent stars

“The Chargers have been one of the NFL’s best defenses, allowing the fewest points per game through four weeks (12.5). Still, this defense has been without two of its best players. Outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) has played just 16 snaps since Week 1 and missed Week 4. The NFL suspended safety Derwin James Jr. against the Chiefs after he was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3. With these players back, the Chargers’ defense would be an even more formidable unit.”

CBS Sports: 20 (Previous: 14)

“They blew a 10-point lead in losing to the Chiefs to fall to 2-2. Justin Herbert and the passing game just don’t look crisp.”

Sports Illustrated: 14 (Previous: 15)

“Jim Harbaugh is testing the limits of his tough-guy offensive game plan strategy and, for the second straight week, J.K. Dobbins was unable to run through a defense. The Steelers and the Chiefs are not the Sun Belt and Harbaugh is gathering information as he goes. There’s no doubt this is a team that can finish the season with a winning record but the question becomes: what does it look like?”

Bleacher Report: 19 (Previous: 14)

“…Jim Harbaugh’s physical brand of football doesn’t work when injuries upend the starting lineup,” he said. “This past weekend, the Chargers didn’t have either of their starting offensive tackles. On the other side of the ball, Joey Bosa wasn’t available, either. Los Angeles battled the Kansas City Chiefs, but what became brutally obvious as the game progressed was that the Chargers don’t have the depth or overall talent to compete when obstacles are in their path. Once healthy, the Chargers will be better. But they can’t set the tone when key pieces are missing.”

Chargers fall to middle of the pack in NFL power rankings after loss to Steelers

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 3

The Chargers lost to the Steelers in Week 3, 20-10.

After coming up short, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 16 (Previous: 14)

“Bad week for Team Harbaugh. With QB Justin Herbert and both starting offensive tackles injured and S Derwin James now suspended, can the Bolts just opt for a two-week bye rather than host K.C. – to whom they’ve lost five in a row – this Sunday?”

NFL: 14 (Previous: 7)

“When the Chargers intercepted Justin Fields midway through the third quarter, it put them in position to take control of the game, similar to how they leaned on the Raiders late in the Week 1 victory. But the Bolts went three-and-out, with Justin Herbert leaving the game due to injury, and it was all Steelers after that. They scored 10 points on their next two drives and bled out the final five minutes of clock to seal it. Los Angeles obviously can’t afford to lose Herbert for an extended period of time, so it was good news that his ankle ailment turned out to be about as positive as it probably could have been. The problem is that three other key Chargers left the game with injuries: edge menace Joey Bosa and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Taylor Heinicke was sacked three times in five dropbacks, which obviously isn’t a sustainable rate if he needs to step into the starting lineup for Herbert. It’s a bit of a scary time for the Chargers heading into a matchup with the Chiefs, but the early bye in Week 5 might end up being a blessing, allowing the Bolts to get their health in order.”

ESPN: 15 (Previous: 8)

Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to stars

Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (MCL sprain) all left Sunday’s loss to the Steelers because of injuries. Those are perhaps the Chargers’ three most important offensive players, and without them, L.A. will have trouble running an effective offense. Herbert left in a walking boot, and receivers Joshua Palmer(elbow/calf) and DJ Chark Jr. (hip) are also nursing injuries that kept them out of Sunday’s loss. Now five Chargers offensive starters have lingering injuries heading into Week 4.

CBS Sports: 14 (Previous: 9)

“Losing Justin Herbert ended their chances against the Steelers. If he misses time with that ankle injury, they have major problems that their power offense can’t fix.”

Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 12)

“I have no idea where to slot this team but it was instructive to see what happens to this iteration of a Jim Harbaugh team when they’re pushed back and unable to run the ball. Just 2.9 yards per carry for J.K. Dobbins meant that some of the buffer previously afforded to Justin Herbert evaporated. Without Herbert, this team quickly becomes extremely one-dimensional. Joe Alt was also knocked out in this one and will miss next week’s game against the Chiefs. I have a feeling that, during this eventual settling period, we will see Los Angeles find its home between Nos. 16 and 19 on this list with regularity.”

Bleacher Report: 14 (Previous: 13)

“…Jim Harbaugh has certainly put his stamp on this year’s Chargers team. While L.A. fell to 2-1 on Sunday, it continues to show that it’s going to play a tough, physical brand on both sides of the ball. It’s a formula that can make the Chargers competitive, regardless of the opponent or venue. However, injuries—which seem like a perennial issue in L.A.—are already a potential problem. Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Joey Bosa all left with injuries against Pittsburgh, and if any of them miss significant time, the Chargers will be in trouble.”

Steelers matchups to watch: Week 3 – George Pickens vs. Asante Samuel Jr.

George Pickens and Asante Samuel Jr. will be one of the premier matchups to watch in the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.

Going off of statistics alone, some Steelers fans might assume that Pat Surtain II got the better of George Pickens in Week 2.  However, many know this wasn’t the case, and Pickens will look to end this unfortunate production slump against Chargers’ cornerback, Asante Samuel Jr. in Week 3.

Asante Samuel Jr. has always been a dependable corner for Los Angeles, but heading into his contract year, the fourth-year corner may be playing some of his best football yet.  Going up against Davante Adams in Week 1 presented some challenges, but his 11 yards allowed against Carolina in Week 2 was outstanding.

George Pickens’ stats may not reflect it yet, but he is one of the most threatening receivers in the NFL.  Two weeks in a row, George Pickens’ production was removed by penalties, but his presence was always felt.  His route running, his body control, and his reliable hands will make it a long day for the Chargers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will need this matchup to swing in their favor if they hope to fend off the newly returned Jim Harbaugh and his Los Angeles Chargers on September 22nd at 1:00 PM EST.

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Chargers soar in NFL power rankings after win over Panthers

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 2

The Chargers came away with a win in Week 2, defeating the Panthers, 26-3.

After picking up the victory, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 14 (Previous: 18)

“The schedule’s been Charmin soft yet conducive to launching redemption tours for RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Quentin Johnston and OLB Joey Bosa. The Bolts are half the equation to a .500 start from the Harbaugh brothers in 2024.”

NFL: 7 (Previous: 12)

“Among the signs that things are different under Jim Harbaugh: The team has allowed 13 points through two games and has run the ball three times for every two passes attempted. On the first part, playing the Raiders and Panthers has a little something to do with that, but there’s no question the defense is playing a different brand of ball than it has in some time. To the second point, recent iterations of the Chargers’ offense had it at an inverse pass-run ratio, often putting way too much on Justin Herbert’s plate and not taking advantage of the team’s strength on the offensive line. This squad might not be special in many ways, but it’s absolutely maximizing its strengths and minimizing its likely weaknesses. That’s been a big part of the 2-0 start. Now, with the unbeaten Steelers and Chiefs on deck, we’ll find out how good this Bolts team really is.”

ESPN: 8 (Previous: 17)

Most important backup/role player: LB Tuli Tuipulotu

“Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, finishing seventh among rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round pick is behind one of the league’s best edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but both players are aging and Bosa hasn’t played an entire season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu significantly; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday’s win over the Panthers. He ensures there’s little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren’t on the field, and he’s essential to a defense trying to rebound from being among the worst in the NFL last season.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 11)

“At 2-0, Jim Harbaugh has this team playing a physical brand of football. They better keep it that way with a trip to face the Steelers this week.”

Sports Illustrated: 12 (Previous: 15)

“Pittsburgh and Kansas City are next, two teams that should help us answer the major question attached to this team: who are these guys? J.K. Dobbins has been the heartwarming story of this season, but so has the fact that the Chargers are carving teams up with one of the lowest run block win rates in the NFL (and, much to the chagrin of previous Chargers regimes, the best run stop win rate in the NFL).”

Bleacher Report: 13 (Previous: 19)

“…Jim Harbaugh is doing it again. The man simply knows how to coach. The Chargers are off to a 2-0 start despite a lingering foot injury to Herbert and questions about the squad’s roster makeup. Certain surprises on offense are allowing the Chargers to be explosive despite major question marks at the skill positions entering the season. Let’s not forget: The Chargers moved on from Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing with 266 yards at a staggering 9.9 yards per carry. Also, Johnston showed signs of real progress Sunday with two touchdown grabs against the Panthers.”

Where Chargers rank in NFL power rankings after win over Raiders

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 1

The Chargers came away with a win in the first game of the 2024 regular season, defeating the Raiders, 22-10.

After picking up the victory, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 18

“Suffocating defense, relentless run game, physical fronts. HC Jim Harbaugh’s new team debuted as advertised. (And just wait until QB Justin Herbert gets to be a bigger part of the attack after passing for a meager 144 yards Sunday.)”

NFL: 12

“Ye of little faith, chiding me on social media for my unbridled belief in Jim Harbaugh and the new-blood Chargers! (Don’t worry — your chances to roast me come further down.) Get used to this kind of final score — 22-10 — because I think this is how the Chargers are going to try to (and likely have to) win games this season. The 10 part — as in the work the defense did — is a nice change of pace in Chargers country after last season, although the Raiders and their lackluster offense were part of that equation. There’s still some tidying needed in the Bolts’ secondary, and I fear the lack of weapons for Justin Herbert, but the encouraging debut of J.K. Dobbins and a hard-earned win made for a solid launching pad for the Harbaugh era.”

ESPN: 17

Best newcomer performance: RB J.K. Dobbins

“Dobbins, who signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles this offseason, broke free for two long runs (41 and 61 yards) that turned the game around for the Chargers’ stalling offense. He finished with 135 yards and one touchdown, the most yards by a Chargers RB in a season opener. Dobbins probably would have had more yards, but he was caught from behind and tackled by Raiders defenders on both big gains. Dobbins was disappointed about that postgame, saying he needed to get in shape.”

CBS Sports: 18

“Jim Harbaugh will fix this team, but it might not happen this year. They will be physical and tough to beat on a weekly basis, but watch out next season.”

Sports Illustrated: 15

“This wasn’t a flawless victory for the Chargers but it was the first step in a long process that will prolong Justin Herbert’s career and save his inner assassin for only the dire moments. Being steeped in the college game is invaluable for coaches who have an eye for allowing quarterbacks to do less and get more at the same time.”

Bleacher Report: 19

“…Now, one win over a Raiders team that looked, um, ungood in Week 1 does not fix all the issues the Chargers have. But the team has some momentum heading into next week’s trip to Carolina to face the hapless Panthers. A 2-0 record heading into a Week 3 trip to Pittsburgh would be a nice start to the Harbaugh era.”

Chargers rule out WR DJ Chark for Week 1 game vs. Raiders

The Chargers will be without one of their starting wide receivers.

The Chargers on Friday ruled out wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. for their Week 1 game against the Raiders on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

Chark, who is dealing with a hip injury, did not participate in practice this week.

With Chark sidelined, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston should see increased reps. Brenden Rice and Simi Fehoko could also get playing time.

Also on the injury report were cornerbacks Tarheeb Still (hip) and Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder). They are questionable.

Quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) are good to go for the season opener.

3 key matchups to watch as Chargers face Raiders in Week 1

Breaking down key matchups to watch for in the Chargers’ opener against the Raiders.

The Chargers’ 2024 regular season kicks off with a home matchup against the Raiders this Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Here are three matchups to keep an eye on in Week 1:

Chargers OT Joe Alt vs. Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby

Alt, the No. 5 overall pick, gets his first “Welcome to the NFL” moment facing one of the league’s premiere edge rushers. Crosby racked up a career-high 14.5 sacks in the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Alt only allowed four sacks during his college career (38 games).

Alt had weeks of reps against Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack during training camp, which should have helped him prepare for his test against Crosby this weekend.

“There can’t be a bigger test right out of the gate,” Jim Harbaugh said on Alt facing Crosby. “Joe’s prepared for it. I can’t wait to watch him compete, starting out against a premiere edge player in this game — in the history of the game, really.”

Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Raiders WR Davante Adams

In last year’s meeting, Samuel fared well against Adams, allowing five catches on eight targets for just 35 yards. Against the Raiders in 2023, Samuel had three passes defended and an interception.

Samuel must maintain that high level of play against Adams, who has historically been a terror to the Chargers. In five games against Los Angeles, Adams has totaled 41 catches for 535 yards and four touchdowns.

Chargers RBs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins vs. Raiders front seven

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman are going to run the football, and they will rely on their offseason additions, Edwards and Dobbins, for their success. Edwards is coming off an 11-touchdown campaign, and Dobbins is just looking to stay healthy. When he’s on the field, Dobbins is a threat to opposing defenses. Additionally, the Chargers offensive line looks the best it has in years.

The Raiders are equipped to slow down Los Angeles’ ground game, and it starts up front. Along with being a prolific pass rusher, Crosby is a great run defender. Las Vegas bolstered the defensive line with the free agency signing of Christian Wilkins, who should aid in that department. Furthermore, Robert Spillane was one of the best run-defending linebackers last season.

Other matchups to watch

Chargers EDGEs Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack vs. Raiders OTs Kolton Miller & Thayer Munford

Chargers interior offensive line vs. Raiders DT Christian Wilkins

Chargers WRs Joshua Palmer & Ladd McConkey vs. Raiders CBs Jack Jones & Nate Hobbs

JT Woods embracing position change as safety transitions to cornerback

JT Woods has the tools to excel as an outside cornerback.

The Chargers drafted JT Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft in hopes of him being a play-making deep safety.

That did not materialize, however.

Now, Woods is taking on the cornerback position, with the new coaching staff hoping it will unlock his true potential.

“They wanted to try me out to see how I felt and how I looked,” Woods said about playing cornerback. “I felt pretty good.”

Woods moved to the position last week and has played there since then, including in last weekend’s preseason game against the Rams, where he logged 23 of 28 snaps at outside corner.

Since making the transition, he feels like it’s been smooth.

“Everyone in the organization has shown confidence in me with the position change,” Woods said. “So, I’m just trying to use each day to better myself and my craft.”

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds and having run a 4.36 40-yard dash, Woods possesses elite traits as a defensive back.

“I think when you do stuff like that, it’s for multiple reasons,” Jesse Minter said on Woods’ profile. “It’s to increase his value and see if that’s a good fit for him. “I’m excited about how he’s developed as a man coverage guy.”

While he has the tools to excel at the position, honing in on the technical aspect of it is even more crucial.

“The technique is completely different,” Woods said. “It’s a whole different world out there. There are going to be plays where you’re on an island, but I’m confident I can handle it.”

If Woods can continue to stack up good days at cornerback, he could be a guy they count on this upcoming season.

“There are a multitude of ways we can use him down the road to help us,” Minter said.

Chargers defensive depth chart projection ahead of training camp

Our very early prediction for who will make the Chargers’ 53-man roster on the defensive side of the ball

The Chargers begin training camp in a couple of weeks to prepare for the start of the 2024 season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

There, roster spots will be won and lost at The Bolt, the team’s brand-new training facility in El Segundo, CA.

That said, here is my very early prediction for who will make the 53-man roster on the defensive side of the ball.

Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

Misses the cut: Chris Rumph II, Ty Shelby, Andrew Farmer,

Interior defensive line (5): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Chris Hinton

Misses the cut: CJ Okoye, Jerrod Clark

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

Misses the cut: Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Shane Lee

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

Misses the cut: Chris Wilcox, Matt Hankins

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, Akeem Dent

Misses the cut: AJ Finley, JT Woods